Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jajdude]

Sure it may be an old idea for threads, but why not throw in a picker-upper?

One thing I like is that even though they may be curious about the foreigner, they tend to leave us alone. I often like that. Sometimes I like being just about ignored. (obviously the language barrier works in our favor sometimes)

The miscommunications and cultural gap allow a foreigner some leeway here.

Also, not having to be an actual part of the society can be a blessing. There is some stuff here I am glad not to required to be a part of.

I also appreciate the way Koreans allow a person, who has a bad day or whatever, some space. Drunks are generally unbothered and accepted. Fights and arguments are left alone, perhaps as part of the "none of my business" thinking.

If I am off base, tell me.

[PolyChronic Time Girl]

Good idea, Jajdude. That last thread is a downer and was getting me into a Korean-bashing fest (which one of my new year's resolutions was to quit doing that ) Here are some things I dig about Korea:

1) Saunas, Saunas, Saunas: I even have my "ajuma" bucket full of scrubby towels and shampoo next to the door. Why many foreigners shy from these, I don't understand...they're heaven (well I have heard foreign guys getting "checked out") But I don't think one needs to be overly conscious of their body at a suana, since the bodies come in all shapes, sizes, and ages in there. Sauna is great for after a hard-day's work.

2) Transportation: I'm still wowed by the subway (L.A doesn't have them) I love not having a car and walking a very short distance to work.

3) More saftey: As a woman, I definitely feel safer walking alone than back home.

4) Ordering food at home and being able to leave dirty plates outside so the delivery guy can pick it up...at no extra charge!

5) Oh, crap, I forgot my Korean honey-bunny. He's at the top of the list and definitly makes the day more pleasant.

6) 24-hour supermarkets that are highly unlikely to be robbed when you go there at 4am

7) Renting videos are all under 1,000W.

Those kind market ajummas who give me free food when I'm scoping out their stuff. There are great ajummas!

9) I dig Korean food, especially the barbecue cogee and I'm an ex-vegetarian!

10) The national parks. Great way to escape it all.

11). Some amazing Koreans who have helped me when I'm totally lost travelling.

12) And being told how beautiful I am many times (I know it's a little false flattery) but it's nice to hear.

Whew, thanks for the theraeputic up-lift thread question

[itaewonguy]

the girls! BADA BOOM! we will be here all week!

[SuperFly]

Is this the thread we're pointing all the journalists to?



I may be coming back to Korea for a few weeks as a project manager to work with some of our Korean vendors... I won't lie...I'm excited about eating some real Korean food again...the crap they serve in Phoenix just isn't up to par with the good, fresh kimchi in Korea.


real tengjangchegae!

[Derrek]

Now that I'm back home in the states, and back on 56k, I have to say that the Internet speed is a big favorite of mine in Korea!

Scanning UB at 56k just sucks.

[bucheon bum]

[jajdude]

Internet speed, yes, and if needed PC rooms galore.

If ya like the food, cool.

Transportation is definitely good and cheap.

24 hour convenience stores everywhere.

(Just looking at good things here.... if you know my (and a few old posts, lost of bad stuff too)

[OiGirl]

[OiGirl]

I will share my favorite things, too!

Sauna, seems to be a favorite (or you hate it!)
Kimchee
Kim
Hyun-Mi green tea
Ondul
Public transportation
PC Bangs

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I've travelled through about 25 countries, and this is the best one in terms of not having to worry about getting ripped off. Yes, I know, some employers will screw you, but elsewhere, I've never met a dishonest Korean. If you don't know how much something costs you can just hand the guy a 10,000-won note and know you'll get the honest change back. At school I can just leave money lying on my desk and know it will still be there when I get back. I don't know how Koreans developed this sense of honesty, but I certainly do appreciate it.

[T-dot]

Cigarette prices $$$$$$!

[tomato]

☺ the demand for foreign teachers
☺ the challenge of the language barrier
☺ the convenience of public transportation
☺ studying Korean folk music
☺ reading Korean children's picture books
☺ studying Korean sign language
☺ the absence of sexual abuse hysteria
☺ the absence of hoodlums shouting insults on the street

[I_Am_Wrong]

Pleasant things:

-good food. I like almost all the food and even enjoy kimchi now. Also, I've tried many things I thought I would never try or never like.

-good drinking culture. people like to drink and it makes everyone very sociable. tonight the principal of my public school took me out for dinner and drinks and we had a great time. this happens every now and then and we alwasy learn a lot about each other and our cultures.

-nice Korean friends. Since I've been here I've met lots of cool Koreans who have taken me out for many a good time

-great co-workers--the co-workers I've had have been nothing short of sweet and amazing. From driving me to the hospital when I was massively sick to bringing me home-made kimbap and sweet potato muffins, and helping me to study Korean

-fun people to study Korean with. I've met tons of cool people through language exchange

the main thing I've found is that if people realize that you are making an effort to adapt then they'll treat you with great kindness.

[tomato]

I should add:

☺ fast computer service

At 8:15 this evening, I tried to print something which I will need tomorrow, but the printer wouldn't work.
I ran to the computer store nextdoor and told them of my problem.
At 9:30, the repairman rang my doorbell, and by 9:45, my printer was fixed.

[uber1024]